Along with the six drama series pickups, ABC has ordered its first new comedy series for next season: single-camera The Muppets, from The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady & Bob Kushell; and The Real O’Neals, executive produced by Dan Savage; as well as Ken Jeong’s multi-camera Dr. Ken.
The Muppets, a stealth, late presentation, emerged as an instant favorite when it was filmed a month ago. Described as “a more adult Muppet show,” is has Disney synergy written all over it, incorporating some of the iconic characters owned by the Walt Disney Co.
Related 2015-16 ABC New Series
The O’Neals, about a family in the aftermath of a son comes out, had been an internal ABC favorite. Its fate was put into question when religious and conservative organizations started a campaign against the project over the involvement of outspoken gay activist Savage. The comedy was originally going to be based on his life growing up but that changed during the development of the pilot, with the story evolving in a different direction. The O’Neals marks the return of Raising Hope‘s Martha Plimpton with another comedy starring role.
Jeong’s semi-autobiographical comedy, a co-production between Sony TV and ABC Studios, had been eyed as a potential companion of Last Man Standing on Friday. Here are descriptions of ABC’s newly picked-up comedies:
“DR. KEN”
Doctor turned actor/comedian Ken Jeong (Community, The Hangover), plays Dr. Ken, a brilliant physician with no bedside manner. He is always trying to be a good doctor, as well as a good husband and dad to his two kids. However, these good intentions have a way of driving everyone crazy at both work and at home. Luckily, his therapist wife Allison is just the right partner to keep things sane.
“Dr. Ken” stars Ken Jeong as Dr. Ken, Suzy Nakamura as Allison, Tisha Campbell-Martin as Damona, Dave Foley as Pat, Jonathan Slavin as Clark, Albert Tsai as Dave and Krista Marie Yu as Molly.
“Dr. Ken was written by Jared Stern, Ken Jeong, and Mike O’Connell. Executive Producers are Jared Stern, Ken Jeong, John Davis, John Fox and Mike Sikowitz, with Mike O’Connell as co-executive producer. “Dr. Ken” is produced by Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.
“THE MUPPETS”
“The Muppets” return to prime time with a contemporary, documentary-style show that, for the first time ever, will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, break-ups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires; a more adult Muppet show, for kids of all ages.
Bill Prady (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Bob Kushell (“Anger Management”) are co-writers and executive producers. Randall Einhorn and Bill Barretta are also executive producers. “The Muppets” is produced by ABC Studios and The Muppets Studio.
“THE REAL O’NEALS”
A contemporary take on a seemingly perfect Catholic family, whose lives take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Instead of ruining their family, the honesty triggers a new, messier chapter where everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real.
“The Real O’Neals” stars Martha Plimpton as Eileen, Jay R. Ferguson as Pat, Noah Galvin as Kenny, Mathew Shively as Jimmy, Bebe Wood as Shannon and Mary Hollis Inboden as Jodi.
“The Real O’Neals” was written by David Windsor and Casey Johnson. Executive producers are David Windsor, Casey Johnson, Brian Pines, Dan McDermott and Dan Savage. “The Real O’Neals” is produced by ABC Studios.
Must Read Stories
Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.